Melroy Pader Svenkerud

1929 - 2017

Melroy Pader Svenkerud

Born: April 8, 1929; in Fargo, ND

Died: November 17, 2017; in DeKalb, IL

Melroy Pader Svenkerud, 88, of Genoa, Illinois, died Friday, November 17, 2017, at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb.

Born April 8, 1929, in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Knut and Barbara (Broto) Svenkerud, Melroy married Loretta "Jeannie" Hodgson on November 23, 1957, in Moorhead, Minnesota; they moved to Genoa in 1961. Many of Melroy's accomplishments were inspired by his love of cars. As a young man, he was a race car driver in the Fargo area. His racing nickname was "Millie the Miler," and his cars featured an 8-ball pool ball design. He had a long career, 37 years, as a salesman for Brian Bemis Automotive Group. He most recently worked as the manager of the Super Wash in Genoa. Melroy enjoyed watching NASCAR races, playing card games and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. He loved his family, and was "lovingly opinionated."

Survivors include his wife, Loretta; five daughters, Lisa (Paul) Lynady of San Antonio, Texas, Beth Svenkerud of St. Louis, Mo., Melinda Svenkerud of Denver, Colo., Rebecca (Kevin) Haish of Sycamore and Jennifer Svenkerud of Genoa; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a special nephew, Lee Hodgson of Delavan, Wis. Melroy was considered a father figure by many people in his life.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Heidi, in 2010; his parents; and three brothers.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family thanks the caring staff at Northwestern Medicine-Kishwaukee Hospital, and the late Dr. Mohammad Yasin.

Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Cooper-Quiram Chapel, 202 E. Main St., Genoa, IL.

To share a memory or leave a condolence visit www.olsonfh.com.